Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Oakland Neighborhood of Oakland, CA from $700 (121 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Oakland area of Oakland.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

Read Article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Read Article

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Read Article

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Read Article

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 3

Downtown Oakland, Oakland, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Oakland Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Oakland area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Claridge Hotel LLC. priced from $800. Common MacArthur has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $903. Here are the most affordable Downtown Oakland apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Claridge Hotel LLC.Studio / 1 BathroomStudio,1BA$800
Common MacArthurPrivate Bedroom in Shared 4 Bed 2 Bath - A4BR,2BA$903
Common JeffersonPrivate Furnished Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,045
Nook on ValdezFLOOR PLAN BStudio,1BA$1,150
La PeraltaSRO with BathStudio,1BA$1,195
Hillcastle ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,200
3301 Telegraph Ave.0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,250
1900 BroadwayCo-Living LT-02 Bedroom 24BR,2BA$1,270
Electric LoftsStudio A & BStudio,1BA$1,352
ArtHaus BrushCStudio,1BA$1,376

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Oakland, CA

As of July 07, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Oakland area is the $1.81 price per square foot 1465 1st Ave Model at 1465 1st Ave, Unit 1469A in the in the Laney neighborhood starting from $2,895. The second greatest value Downtown Oakland apartment is the 2909 Myrtle St Model at 2909 Myrtle St, Unit 2907.5 starting at $2,700 with a $2.00 price per square foot in the West Oakland neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Oakland apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1465 1st Ave, Unit 1469A1465 1st Ave3BR,1BA$1.81
2909 Myrtle St, Unit 2907.52909 Myrtle St2BR,1BA$2.00
1622 center st, Unit 1622 #11622 center st3BR,2BA$2.35
2804 Adeline St2804 Adeline St2BR,2BA$2.27
The Blue Cap Lofts1bed 2bath1BR,2BA$2.08
871 27th St, Unit 871B871 27th St2BR,1BA$1.90
2445 Telegraph Ave, Unit Apt 2042445 Telegraph Ave2BR,2BA$2.37
695 42nd St, Unit D695 42nd St2BR,1BA$2.33
659 Hillsborough St, Unit # 1659 Hillsborough St1BR,1BA$2.22
323 E 15th St, Unit 325323 E 15th St1BR,1BA$2.25

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Oakland, Oakland, CA

Ranked #1

Among neighborhoods in Oakland, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Best Local Schools in
Downtown Oakland, Oakland, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of neighborhoods, cities and towns, and rental properties across California, including Oakland. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and easy access to the parks, pet-friendly features, family-friendly amenities, proximity to transit, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Oakland Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Oakland?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Oakland is under $1,376.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Oakland?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Oakland is Common Jefferson which is listed at $1,045, while the average apartment in Downtown Oakland costs $4,848.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Oakland?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 97 regular apartments in Downtown Oakland that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown Oakland?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Oakland have an average cost of $285 which is $4,563 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Oakland.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent

Written by: Shannon Hilson

If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.